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Show o Section Sun Advocate B The El Dorado Rodeo Club CHS team overcomes redneck image with rodeo success by Tim Noyes rides a bull during a high school rodeo. James Fain photo JOE ROLANDO. JK. Freelance Writer The El Dorado Rodeo Club of Carbon High School answers cynics who call it just a bunch of tobacco chewing rednecks, with a record that would make most coaches blush. Carbon High is always trying to beat Murray. We have beaten Murray many times and nobody declared senior Jeri knows, Pollock, secretary of the club. True, the club has not kept track of when it has taken top state honors in the past 15 years of its existence. But the members have singled out some of themselves who have earned top honors and recalled the results of a recent high school rodeo to demonstrate their success. Last year, Joetta Eardley, now first club member from the high school to qualify for the National High School Rodeo Assn, finals. Also, Miss Pollock was asked to join the National'Rodeo League. She later learned that she was too young At the Grand County High School Rodeo in Moab on April 6 and 7, all the Carbon High students who participated placed in the top six. Miss Pollocks mother Rita, who has advised the El Dorado Club for the past four years, attributed the clubs success at the events to diligent practice and the deep interest of certain parents. "This is a family thing, too, When you Mrs. Pollock said. participate in a rodeo, your whole family participates in rodeos. She said that Joettas father Cy, a junior, became the JOasesg Coming out of a turn around a barrel is Joetta Eardley. Watching are (back, left to right) Jim Bob Eardley and Lance Moon. 'i-r- for example, has taught many of the club members the art of roping. The club members also have attended various seminars on rodeo riding. Miss Pollock added, Everybody elses parents teach everybody elses kids. We just learn from who can do what. And there are 23 members of the club who do just that. Ranging from ninth to twelfth grades, members elect a slate of officers each year, compete at rodeos throughout the state and even host one of their own. This years rodeo has been scheduled at the Carbon County Fairgrounds on June 1 and 2. A state qualifier, the rodeo will attract high school riders from all over the state. But Mrs. Pollock likes to think of the rodeos as more than just another high school competitive event. Its just like an occupation, she said. They have to work hard and pay attention to win. Club President Lance Moon, a senior, compared the work of rodeo riding to that of high school football, baseball and basketball practices. For example, even in the winter when snow covers the ground the club can be found in the indoor arena at the county fairgrounds working out with their horses. Joetta said those workouts are especially essential for the good health of the horses. Mrs. Pollock said some of the club members even place their horses on individual feed programs, which includes regular doses of vitamins and other medicines to promote good health. The proper care of the horses and techniques of riding them are among the top purposes of the club, said Marie Eardley, Joettas mother. She said much of the danger associated with horse riding can be eliminated if the students are taught the proper riding techniques. Mr. Moon, the clubs president, also emphasized the importance of consistent practice. "It's the guys who ride only once a week who get hurt. The guys who go all the time dont. Seriousness aside, all of the and Mrs. club members Pollock smile when they discuss the fun they have at various high school rodeos. I used to teach ceramics. I had 52 kids in that. It was fun. But in this (rodeo riding) you travel. Its just fun. Its just different. You meet a lot of new people, Mrs. Pollock said. Mr. Moon said high school rodeo riding is so interesting that members dont have to plead to ask those who are interested to join. For Miss Pollock, the clubs secretary, the hardest part of participating in rodeos is waiting for the next one to be held In the winter, I get so bored. Theres just nothing to do. In the summer were going every weekend, she noted. But all the members seemed to agree that after all the fun has worn off, they still must face the harsh reality of non - acceptance, . especially among their high school peers. Among the names the club members said they are called are Rednecks, Ropers, and a lot of other dirty words. Mrs. Pollock said, Weve been accused of only drinking beer and chewing tobacco. Some do chew tobacco. But when they go to a high school rodeo and are caught with beer, they can not compete. She said the club has tried to counter such hostility by inviting the students to watch the club members perform at the Carbon County Fairgrounds. But although the club hasnt been too successful, it isnt going to let a little thing like that get in its way either. Miss Pollock explained the clubs attitude the best. She said when other students call her a roper or redneck she just raises her head, looks them in the eye and says, Im proud to be one. Lance Moon assists Jerri Poltock on to her horse. The rodeo club consists of boys and girls who participate together at high school rodeos throughout the state. . iissfcas? . 1C !r i r ' I James Fain photo Nelda Noyes scrambles for calf during rodeo at Ogden. Dorado Rodeo Club provides its members with much camaraderie. Here are (left to right) Lance Moon, president; Jim Bob Eardley, Jeri Pollock, secretary and Joetta Eardley, kneeling. The El 4 I ; i vW vV t r |